It wouldn’t be Christmas in Santa Fe without a full-blown, toe tapping, Broadway Musical Show. Musical Theater Works presents “Annie,” based on the comic strip by Harold Gray, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charmin and book by Thomas Meehan, “Annie” tells the story of a little orphan who ends up in the lap of luxury with Depression-era billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks.

Unlike the other children at the orphanage, spunky Annie believes her parents are still alive and will one day return to claim her. When Warbucks offers to adopt her, she asks the most powerful man in America to help her find her real mom and dad. Warbucks’ whopping reward for Annie’s parents attracts the attention of con artists Rooster, Lily and the wicked Mrs. Hannigan — who hatch a plot to kidnap Annie and take the $50,000 rewards. But don’t fret — this classic family musical has a happy ending for Annie, Daddy Warbucks and the whole gang!

The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years. It spawned numerous productions in many countries as well as national tours and won the Tony Award for Best Musical.

MusicalTheatreWorks is a performing arts center, with campuses in Santa Fe, New Mexico and the Berkshires of Massachusetts. Founded by Roy and Eileen Rogosin in 1986 as Creative Arts Music and Performance (CAMP), the name was changed in 2013 to more accurately reflect the concentration on Musical Theatre, which has long been the mission and passion of the Rogosins’.

Each summer, campers from all over the country come to Santa Fe or the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts to spend two weeks studying and performing for the musical stage.

In addition to summer camp programs, MusicalTheatreWorks has a year-round program of classes and performances at the Santa Fe campus. Classes take place in the studios of MTW, and professionally mounted productions are presented at the Greer Garson Theatre, on the campus of The Santa Fe University of Art and Design.

The mission of MusicalTheatreWorks is to train and nurture young people in achieving their personal best, both as performers, and as responsible young people. Teamwork and mutual respect are fundamental to success in the theatre. And from them, come self-respect and self- confidence. At MTW, each student is treated with respect and supported by both peers and staff.

Auditions began in September… Toddlers, adults and even dogs all had their moments on stage! Annie has a dynamic cast of characters- singers, dancers, and actors ready to dazzle audiences.

A lot of wannabe canine actors took center stage for “Sandy” tryouts and one particular golden Labrador named Stanford walked away with the part. Stanford is a service dog and a real pro on stage … he knows all the cues and blocking- when to go up stairs and down. He dances and barks on cue.

The cast totals 25: eight orphans with special appearances from MusicalTheatreWorks novice students “Babes on Stage,” dancing and singing adults and one dog; the kids range in age from 5 through 13.

Rehearsals started in October. Produced and directed by Eileen and Roy Rogosin, actors learned the music first — blocking and choreography followed. Izzie Duran is musical director. Twice weekly — Monday evenings and Saturdays — at the MusicalTheatreWorks rehearsal studios, kids and adults worked extremely hard finding strength and mastering powerful singing voices. Singers are not wearing microphones. Their voices fill the auditorium.

Starting on Dec. 16 — five days before opening night — the cast and crew moves into the Greer Garson for technical and dress rehearsals.

The stage is huge and high tech. Daddy Warbucks’ New York City townhouse is all decked out with elegant chandeliers – on loan from the Santa Fe Opera.

Daddy Warbucks, the most powerful man in America, is played by Brett Mallard: an actor who has worked with the Rogosins many times — including prior Warbucks roles.

Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 20, 21, 27 and 28 and 2 p.m. Dec. 22 and 29 at the Greer Garson Theater on the Santa Fe University of Art and Design campus, 1600 St. Michael’s Drive. Advance Tickets: $10 Students/ $15 Adults and $20 at the door.